Tag: learning

This week one of my kiddos learned about consequences. It totally sucked. This kid missed a deadline and as a result received a pretty (in my opinion) severe consequence. My child was upset and is still pretty devastated.

Guess what I did.

NOTHING.

No phone calls, no arguing on this kid’s behalf…nothing.

I’m so over parents fixing problems for their children. My kid screwed up and has to pay the price. In the scheme of things, it’s so not a big deal even though – at the moment – it seems like the end of the world. Anguish and heartbreak over this issue will pass. No one was injured – other than some possible pride – no damage was done. In fact, I’m almost glad it happened. My kid was upset about missing the deadline – more so than the consequence itself. To me that speaks to this kid’s character and this experience will reinforce the things this child values. If one is to mess up, messing up when you’re a kid is the time to do it.

THE TIME TO LEARN.

How are our children supposed to learn anything if every time they drop the ball mommy and daddy run in and fix it for them? I understand that there are times when intervention is needed and required. But when rules are broken, bent even, and consequences are applied, it’s practice for life. As an adult, if you miss a deadline for a project there will be fallout. If you don’t pay a bill, there’s a penalty. At university if you don’t turn in an assignment on time, a note from mom and dad will not fix the issue. Why not get back to teaching our kids that rules are rules. And they apply to all.

Before you go all crazy on me, I understand there are times when advocating for your child is necessary. I’ve recently experienced this situation as well. My point today is that not EVERY situation requires intervention. We want to grow responsible, compassionate humans. Failing is part of growing.

So…yeah – this is a post about our first family adventure of the winter season. We all attempted went snowboarding together.

Now…let’s think about this for a moment, shall we? Other than Eldest Spawn – who is proficient and able to go down hills I have nightmares about – and myself – and I broke my wrist the one time I went – none of the family has been on boards before.

Littlest Spawn is 5 and Second Eldest Female Spawn is 7. This alone should tell you how much snowboarding I got done. They did great! LS got both feet in her bindings (the thing holding your feet to the board – you strap them and then you’re stuck to your board) and so did SEF – they really did well – they got pretty tired but kept on trucking on…and got to the top of the mini hill by Evil Mama hauling their strapped in bindings selves up. Eldest Female Spawn hit the hills shredding – she did fabulously and gained a lot of confidence.

I got a board with a different sort of bindings than the rest of the family. Not on purpose. However, when you’re the rookie I am, the size I am, and the age I am…they are sort of hard to get on. While on a hill. That goes down. While not falling on your arse. With your arse then flying over your head.

I.Will.Master.This.

Wish me luck!!!! Please. I need it!

EJ out – to get the clothes out of the dryer so we can return to Afton today!!!

And since you’re wishing me luck (you’d better be or I’ll go Evil on You) – click on the Top Mommy Blogs icon. Thanks! And check out Elf Shaming too – it’s awesome!